Hanger hardware for a directory

ABSTRACT

A simple, inexpensive hanger means for a directory that is readily adaptable for any type of installation and which provides fast and secure attachment of the directory comprises a backing support member having an end support means integral with each end thereof and generally upstanding therefrom, said end support means having a wire attachment means integral therewith and a spring wire adapted to be snapped into locking engagement with the wire attachment means. A slot in at least one of the end support means receives therethrough a pair of legs of a detachable hanger connector. Each of the legs has a notch thereon which securely locks the hanger connector in place when the legs are spread. The detachable hanger connector has various connection means thereon such as a swivel, wire hook, and lanyard.

UHHEQQ Azzato [54] HANGER HARDWARE FOR A DIRECTORY [72] Inventor: RobertN. Azzato, Pheonix, Ariz.

[73] Assignee: General Binding Corporation,

Northbrook, Ill.

[22] Filed: Jan. 22, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 108,902

[52] US. Cl. 248/441 [51] Int. Cl. ..A47b 97/00' [58] Field ofSearch..248/359, 360, 361 A, 441, 447, 248/448, 460; 281/46; 312/233[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,425,421 2/1969 Fcder..248/359 UX 2,455,765 12/1948 Harvey ..248/360 X 2,856,728 10/1958Guinane 2,059,679 11/1936 Burton 3,001,755 9/1961 Doyle ..248/360Primary Examiner-William l-l. Schultz Attorney-Hill, Sherman, Meroni,Gross & Simpson [5 7 ABSTRACT A simple, inexpensive hanger means for adirectory that is readily adaptable for any type of installation andwhich provides fast and secure attachment of the directory comprises abacking support member having an end support means integral with eachend thereof and generally upstanding therefrom, said end support meanshaving a wire attachment means integral therewith and a spring wireadapted to be snapped into locking engagement with the wire attachmentmeans. A slot in at least one of the end support means receivestherethrough a pair of legs of a detachable hanger connector. Each ofthe legs has a notch thereon which securely locks the hanger connectorin place when the legs are spread. The detachable hanger connector hasvarious connection means thereon such as a swivel, wire hook, andlanyard.

10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PAIENTEU DEC 12 I972 BY M @WATVYHUVILYSHANGER HARDWARE FOR A DIRECTORY I BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention generally relates to a support hardware for hanging an articlefor use and more particularly concerns a new means of attaching andcontaining a directory within a protective cover.

Maintaining telephone and similar directories conveniently accessiblefor use is important to assure maximum utilization of facilities such astelephone booths. A loose directory invites pilferage. Prior artattempts to tie the directory down have included binder covers withwires attached to the center of the spine, however, this has been foundto have the disadvantage that with a heavy directory or hard use, thedirectory would have a tendency to bend the wire until the directoryfell out. When an attempt was made to secure the wire more firmly, itresulted in a wire configuration which was difficult to remove when thedirectory was to be changed.

Other methods of hanging directories suffer similar disadvantages. Inaddition, the prior art means of hanging the directories have requiredrelatively long field installation times. Also, these various methodshave required the stocking of a complete line of each of the varioustypes of directory hanger hardware. In a large metropolitan area with agreat number of different types of installations the required inventoryis expensive and space consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An economical, simple, and adaptable directoryhanger means which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior artcomprises, according to my invention, a flat plate-like backing supportmember having an integrally formed end support means at each endthereof. The end support means generally upstand from the plane of thebacking support and have a wire attachment means integral therewith. Aspring wire which is adapted to slip between the pages of the directoryis sprung into locking engagement with the attachment means to hold thedirectory firmly against the backing support.

The spring wire has a loop means at each end thereof which loop engagesa depending tab formed by a U- shaped hole in the end support means. Thewire is bent in a general W-shaped configuration with the loop means onthe free ends engaging the tab of the end support means so that thespring bears against the backing support in the area of the bottom legintersections. The backing support may be integrally formed with asuitable cover means to protect the cover of the directory. Thisconstruction allows simple but yet secure attachment of the directory inthe cover. Accordingly, replacement time of the directories isminimized.

Adaptability of this directory securing means to the many differentmethods of hanging directories, is allowed by an arrangement having adetachable hanger connector with a pair of readily spreadable legsreceived through a slot in one of the end support means. Attachment ofthe detachable hanger connector to the end support is effected byinserting a screw driver in a space between the legs and twisting it tospread the legs so they are wider than the slot. A very secure lockingeffect is obtained by providing a notch in the outer edge of each leg sothat when they are spread the notch engages an end of the slot.

ISIS

With this construction only a single directory cover or backer supportis required with detachable hanger connectors being used to accommodatethe various types of hanging conditions. This detachable hangerconnector is readily secured in place in the field with a simple twistof the screwdriver. Moreover, the hanger connector itself may beadaptable to several different types of hanger situations. Thus, thehanger connector will accommodate the common swivel connection and inaddition may be readily fitted to accommodate wire hooks and lanyards.

From the above description of the invention it will be understood that Ihave invented an efficient and economical hanger means for directories.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, features and advantagesof the invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptionof certain preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, although variations and modifications may beeffected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novelconcepts of the disclosure, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a hanger backing member showingits position relative to a cover and a directory secured therein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detachable hanger connector;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the detachable hanger connector ofFIG. 2 in place on the backing member of FIG. 1 with a screwdriver headin position preparatory to spreading of the legs for securement of thehanger connector to the backing member;

FIG. 4 is a view of the device of FIG. 3 showing the legs spread;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a detachable hanger connectorhaving a wire hook connection means thereon; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a detachable hanger connector having alanyard connection therewith.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A hanger means for a directoryaccording to my invention may be seen in FIG. 1 to comprise a backingsupport member generally indicated at 10 in position in a cover meansgenerally indicated at 12 holding a directory 14 shown in dotted lines.The backing support member 10 includes a planar body member 18 which maybe of an elongated rectangular configuration generally coextensive withthe binding of a directory 14. A first end support means 20 isintegrally formed at one end of the body means 18 and a second endsupport 22 is integrally formed at another opposite end of the bodyportion 18. The first and second end support means 20, 22 may be of ageneral V-shaped configuration each having a first planar portion 20a,22a upstanding from the main body portion 18 at an angle thereto. Also,each has a second planar portion 20b, 22b respectively, bent downwardlyfrom the upper edge of the first planar portion to form a rigid endsupport means. In practice I have found it advantageous to form the bodyportion 18 and the respective end support means 20, 22 of a single stripof sheet metal with only two bends forming each end support.

The first planar portion 20a has a U-shaped hole 24 therein forming whatmay be referred to as a depending tab 26. A similar structure not shown,is formed in the second end support means 22. A spring wire 30 bent, asshown, in a general W-shaped configuration has a loop configuration 32at each end thereof which is of a size to encircle the tab 26 and form asecure connection therewith. The fact that the loop completely encirclesthe tooth or tab 26 on each of the end support means prevents the wirefrom slipping out and sliding off. The spring wire is installed byengaging one end with an end support means, sliding it between the pagesof the directory, bending it against its resilient spring action andsnapping it over the opposite end support tab. When the cover anddirectory are hung in the usual position which is an inversion of thatshown in FIG. 1, the spring wire loop 32 is pulled more securely ontothe tab 26 making it impossible to slip off. The bends of the springwire 30, as shown for example, at 30a, 30b and 300 provide greatrigidity to the wire and serve to hold the directory 14 securely inplace by urging the back of the directory against the body portion 18 ofthe backing support member 10. The above construction is simple andeconomical in both manufacture and maintenance. It will be understoodthat the backing support member may be connected to or integral with thecover 12. It is also noteworthy that when combined with the cover 12there are no sharp edges or projections which could injure the user orthe directory.

Adaptability ofthe backing support member 10 to various types ofinstallations is facilitated by a detachable hanger connector generallyindicated at 40 in FIG. 2. As shown, the hanger connector 40 may beformed of sheet metal in a generally L-shaped configuration with a pairof legs 42, 44 formed in a first side 40a thereof. The legs 42, 44 havea space 46 therein which is adapted to receive a suitable spreadingmeans for attachment of the hanger connector 40 to the backing supportmember 10. Each of the legs 42, 44 has an outer edge 42a, 44a having anotch 42b, 44b therein at a point spaced from the end of the leg.

The first end support means has a slot 50 therein which receives thedetachable connector 40 therethrough. The slot 50 has an axis generallyparallel to the plane of the portion 18 so that as shown in FIG. 3 thelegs 42, 44 will be juxtaposed to the body portion 18. With an endsupport means constructed as shown in FIG. I the slot 50 will beadjacent the intersection of the first planar portion 200 with the bodyportion 18. In addition. a corresponding slot 52 will be formed in thesecond planar portion 20b in alignment with the slot 50 so that the legportion of the detachable hanger connector 40 will lie against the bodyportion 18.

With the hanger connector 40 in position as shown in FIG. 3 a suitablespreader means such as a screwdriver 55 is inserted in the slot 46 andtwisted to spread the legs 42, 44 as shown in FIG. 4 and engage thenotches 42b, 44b with the ends of the slot 50. This interfitting of thenotches with the ends of the slot securely locks the hanger connector inplace and prevents detachment even under conditions of extreme misuse.Any withdrawal force on the connector 40 is transferred to the edges ofthe notches 42b, 44b so that the legs 42 and 44 must shear beforewithdrawal is possible. Moreover, withdrawal of the connector 40 may beeasily effected by a workman understanding. the construction andproperly squeezing the legs 42, 44 together.

The detachable hanger connector 40 has a second portion 40b bent at anangle to the first portion 40a and containing a swivel connector 60along the free edge thereof. In practice the hanger connector 40 may bemade of a single strip-like piece of sheet metal suitably notched andbent to form the legs, first portion, second portion and swivelconnector from a single piece of material. This produces an economicaland very strong connector member that is very capable of withstandingthe loads and stresses imposed thereon. Where the directory hangerinstallation calls for a swivel connection of the directory hanger to asupport, the detachable hanger connector 40 will be used and installedas shown and explained in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. Where adifferent means of connection of the directory hanger means must bemade, the detachable hanger connector 40 may be adapted to suchdifferent conditions. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5 the hanger connector 40,may have an additional wire hook connector means thereon. The connectormeans 70 may be permanently fixed to the hanger connector 40 as bywelding, or, preferably, the connector hook 70 may have a threaded endand be secured to the connector 40 by nuts, not shown. With the latterconstruction it will be seen from FIG. 5 that an interior nut would beprotected and perhaps locked against movement by the second planarportion 20b and the swivel connector means 60 when the connector 40 waslocked in place.

Support of the directory hanger means by a lanyard is shown in FIG. 6with a first end a of a lanyard 80 affixed to a support 82 and a secondend 80b attached to the hanger connector 40. In this case the end 80bmay be permanently attached to the hanger connector 40, or, preferably,may extend through a hole, not shown, in the second portion 40b of theconnector and have a suitable end enlargement preventing removal. Again,the end enlargement or other connector means will be protected betweenthe second planar portion 20b and the second portion 40b of theconnector. In each case the connection provides secure attachment anddiscourages vandalism.

Although it is contemplated that the detachable connector hanger 40 willbe attached to only one end of the backing support member 10 the secondend support means 22 may be similarly equipped to receive the detachablehanger connector at very little additional cost. This provides theadvantages that it allows foolproof installation. From the abovedescription of the invention it will be understood that I have provideda new directory hanger means which is simple and inexpensive inproduction, installation and maintenance. Thus, as heretofore explained,both the backing support member 10 and the connector hanger 40 may eachbe readily stamped and bent from a single piece of sheet metal. With thebacking support member 10 separate or embodied in a cover 12 theconnector hanger 40 is easily slipped through the slots 50, 52 to thepoint where notches 42b, 44b are adjacent the ends of the rectangularnotch 50 and a screwdriver is placed in the slot 46 and twisted tospread the legs 42, 44 outwardly thereby bringing the notches 42b, 44binto engagement with the ends of the slot 50 as shown in FIG. 4. Thehanger connector 40 may have suitable connection means thereon such asthe swivel connection 60, the wire hook connection 70 and the lanyardconnection 80 so that with this simple connection means the directoryhanger cover may be secured in place. Further installation of thedirectory 14 is also readily effected by placing the directory with itsback binding against the body portion 18, slipping the spring wirebetween the pages, flexing the spring wire 30 against its resilient biasand snapping the free loop means 32 over the tab 26. With the simpleconstruction maintenance is reduced to a minimum in that the hangermeans is resistant to user abuse as well as vandalism.

Although only one tab 26 is shown with one wire 30 it is contemplatedthat two, three or more tabs and wires similar to 26 and 30 may beprovided in generally parallel relationship.

Although minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in theart, it should be understood that l wish to embody within the scope ofthe patent warranted thereon all such modifications as reasonably andproperly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

lclaim:

l. A hanger means comprising a backing support member including a firstend support means at one end thereof and a second end support means at asecond end thereof, said first and second end support means upstandingfrom said backing support member, said end support means having a wireattachment means integral therewith, and a spring wire having a loopmeans at each end thereof, said spring wire loop means being adapted tobe sprung into locking engagement with said wire attachment means, eachof said wire attachment means being a U-shaped hole forming a dependingtab, said loop means encircling said depending tab to lock said springwire securely in place.

2. A hanger means according to claim 1 wherein said wire is bent in ageneral W-shaped configuration with said loop means being formed on thefree ends thereof and said spring wire contacting the backing supportmember generally at the bottom leg intersections of said W-shape to biassaid loop means onto said tabs.

3. A hanger means according to claim 1 wherein said first end supportmeans has a slot therethrough, said slot having an axis generallyparallel to a transverse axis of said backing support member, adetachable hanger connector having a first portion thereof received insaid slot.

4. A hanger means according to claim 3 wherein said first portion ofsaid hanger connector includes a pair of legs, said pair of legsextending into said slot, said legs having a means for accommodating aspreader tool means for deformably spreading the legs beyond the widthof the hole to lock it in position in said hole.

5. A hanger means according to claim 4 wherein said legs have a notch inan outer edge thereof, said notch engaging an end of said slot when saidlegs are spread.

6. A hanger means according to claim 3 wherein said detachable hangerconnector has a swivel connection means thereon.

7. A hanger means according to claim 6 wherein said detachable hangerconnector has an additional wire hook connection means thereon.

8. A hanger means according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said endsupport means has a generally rectangular slot therein, said slot beingin said upstan ing portion adjacent said body portion and between saidU-shaped hole and said backing support member, said slot having its longaxis generally parallel to the plane of said backing support member, adetachable hanger connector having a portion thereof received in saidhole, said hanger connector including a pair of legs, said pair of legsbeing received in said slot, said legs lying on said backing supportmember in generally parallel juxtaposed relationship thereto.

9. A hanger means according to claim 1 wherein said first and second endsupport means are formed integrally with said backing support, saidfirst and second end support means each having a first section bentupwardly from a generally planar main portion of said backing supportand a second section bent downwardly whereby each of said end portionsassumes a generally inverter V-shaped configuration.

10. A hanger means according to claim 9 wherein said first end supportmeans includes slots in said first and second sections, said slots beingaligned with each other and above said backing support, said slotsreceiving a detachable hanger connector therethrough, said hangerconnector engaging said first section adjacent said slot therein wherebyconnection is effected.

1. A hanger means comprising a backing support member including a firstend support meAns at one end thereof and a second end support means at asecond end thereof, said first and second end support means upstandingfrom said backing support member, said end support means having a wireattachment means integral therewith, and a spring wire having a loopmeans at each end thereof, said spring wire loop means being adapted tobe sprung into locking engagement with said wire attachment means, eachof said wire attachment means being a U-shaped hole forming a dependingtab, said loop means encircling said depending tab to lock said springwire securely in place.
 2. A hanger means according to claim 1 whereinsaid wire is bent in a general W-shaped configuration with said loopmeans being formed on the free ends thereof and said spring wirecontacting the backing support member generally at the bottom legintersections of said W-shape to bias said loop means onto said tabs. 3.A hanger means according to claim 1 wherein said first end support meanshas a slot therethrough, said slot having an axis generally parallel toa transverse axis of said backing support member, a detachable hangerconnector having a first portion thereof received in said slot.
 4. Ahanger means according to claim 3 wherein said first portion of saidhanger connector includes a pair of legs, said pair of legs extendinginto said slot, said legs having a means for accommodating a spreadertool means for deformably spreading the legs beyond the width of thehole to lock it in position in said hole.
 5. A hanger means according toclaim 4 wherein said legs have a notch in an outer edge thereof, saidnotch engaging an end of said slot when said legs are spread.
 6. Ahanger means according to claim 3 wherein said detachable hangerconnector has a swivel connection means thereon.
 7. A hanger meansaccording to claim 6 wherein said detachable hanger connector has anadditional wire hook connection means thereon.
 8. A hanger meansaccording to claim 1 wherein at least one of said end support means hasa generally rectangular slot therein, said slot being in said upstandingportion adjacent said body portion and between said U-shaped hole andsaid backing support member, said slot having its long axis generallyparallel to the plane of said backing support member, a detachablehanger connector having a portion thereof received in said hole, saidhanger connector including a pair of legs, said pair of legs beingreceived in said slot, said legs lying on said backing support member ingenerally parallel juxtaposed relationship thereto.
 9. A hanger meansaccording to claim 1 wherein said first and second end support means areformed integrally with said backing support, said first and second endsupport means each having a first section bent upwardly from a generallyplanar main portion of said backing support and a second section bentdownwardly whereby each of said end portions assumes a generallyinverter V-shaped configuration.
 10. A hanger means according to claim 9wherein said first end support means includes slots in said first andsecond sections, said slots being aligned with each other and above saidbacking support, said slots receiving a detachable hanger connectortherethrough, said hanger connector engaging said first section adjacentsaid slot therein whereby connection is effected.